William Eichler 13 September 2024

Autumn Budget: Council chiefs warn against ‘disastrous’ cuts

Autumn Budget: Council chiefs warn against ‘disastrous’ cuts image
Image: Martin Suker / Shutterstock.com.

Council leaders have urged the Government not to make any further cuts in the Autumn Budget, warning that councils face ‘systemic financial failure’ and are increasingly forced to draw on reserves.

In its submission to the Treasury ahead of the Budget, the Local Government Association (LGA) said that English councils face a £2.3bn funding gap in 2025/26, rising to £3.9bn in 2026/27.

The association also highlighted that councils’ un-ringfenced reserves fell by £1.7bn in 2022/23 and £1.1bn in 2023/24. Some 42% of councils drew on their reserves in both years.

The LGA also added that there was a growing risk of ‘systemic financial failure’ as 18 councils are dependent on receiving Exceptional Financial Support in February to balance their books in 2024/25.

LGA chair Cllr Louise Gittins said that local authorities had already delivered £24.5bn in cuts and efficiencies, adding that ‘any further cuts on top of this would be disastrous.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner